The world has a historic opportunity to secure a future of sustainable energy in the global Post-2015 Development Agenda being formulated at the United Nations, Fiji told the Vienna Energy Forum in the Austrian capital earlier this week as chair of the Group of 77, the government said Thursday.

Speaking in the capacity of Fiji's 2013 chairmanship of the G77, Peter Thomson, Fiji's Ambassador to the UN, said investing in clean, efficient, affordable and reliable energy systems is indispensable to an environmentally sustainable future, according to a statement from Fiji's Ministry of Information.

Addressing the gathering of over 1,000 representatives of the international energy sector, Thomson reaffirmed that access to clean, affordable energy has become a cornerstone of green economy and sustainable development.

The Vienna Energy Forum came one year after the Rio+20 conference, where the international community agreed that energy plays a critical central role in sustainable development.

Using his address to advocate in favor of the UN secretary- general's initiative of Sustainable Energy For All, Thomson said the G77 regards the initiative as laudable, for if the goal of sustainable energy for all is achieved by 2030, this will be a catalyst for lasting sustainable economic growth, with real opportunities for the poor, while protecting the planet.

The Sustainable Energy For All initiative aspires to three goals to be achieved by 2030: ensuring universal access to modern energy services, doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency, and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Emphasizing the G77's call for equity for developing countries, Thomson told the forum that "stark inequalities persist in the worldwide distribution of access to modern energy services, calling for technology transfer, stable funding for development and honoring of international commitments to developing countries.

The Vienna Energy Forum has established itself as an international gathering for leading policy makers and energy practitioners. The Forum is committed to advancing sustainable energy by engaging governments, international organizations, business and industry, and civil society leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas on sustainable energy for all. 

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